Her
tiny figure was stiffened with decision. Her eyes were blazing.
"If you ever DARE to speak to him--about me, you'll never see me
again."
Jim was perplexed.
"I mean it, Jim. I've made my choice, and I've come back to you.
If you ever try to fix up things between him and me, I'll run
away--really and truly away--and you'll never, never get me
back."
He shuffled awkwardly to her side and reached apologetically for
the little, clenched fist. He held it in his big, rough hand,
toying nervously with the tiny fingers.
"I wouldn't do nothin' that you wasn't a-wantin', Poll. I was
just a tryin' to help yer, only I--I never seem to know how."
She turned to him with tear-dimmed eyes, and rested her hands on
his great, broad shoulders, and he saw the place where he dwelt
in her heart.
Chapter XIV
THE "Leap of Death" implements were being carried from the ring,
and Jim turned away to superintend their loading.
Performers again rushed by each other on their way to and from
the main tent.
Polly stood in the centre of the lot, frowning and anxious. The
mere mention of the pastor's name had made it seem impossible for
her to ride to-night. For hours she had been whipping herself up
to the point of doing it, and now her courage failed her.
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